Bp. Tim and Mtr. Lyngine began Ash Wednesday with a morning shift of St. Mary of Grace Independent Catholic Christian Church's first Ashes to Go, in Center City. It was a great experience -- and one we repeated in the afternoon at the Media train station.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by in Philadelphia and in Media for Ashes To Go! The nearby construction workers and waitstaff who popped over quickly during their brief breaks, the commuters on their way to and from work, the parents with toddlers, the folks who pulled over to park in loading zone and then came over, the lovely train engineer who came by after parking the train at the end of his shift, and to all who came to experience the beginning of Lent with a reminder of God's invitation and promise of mercy and love - you will all remain in our prayers this season. A special thanks also to the parishioners of St. Mary of Grace who brought the dried palms and helped prepare the ashes!

Here are the prayers we used:

The minister offers a prayer:Almighty and merciful God, you hate nothing you have made, andforgive the sins of all who are penitent; create in us new and contrite hearts, so that when we turn to you and confess our sins and acknowledge our need, we may receive your full and perfect forgiveness, through Jesus Christ our Redeemer. Amen.

Ashes are marked on the forehead with the following words:Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.

The minister then says,Go in peace. Amen.

A Blessed and Holy Lent to all from all of us at St. Mary of Grace Parish!